Wheeling rejects housing project for people with disabilities

The PhilHaven project was proposed by Chicago-based developer Daveri Development Group, LLC, for a 3-acre site on Hintz Road between Schoenbeck and Buffalo Grove roads.

The PhilHaven project was proposed by Chicago-based developer Daveri Development Group, LLC, for a 3-acre site on Hintz Road between Schoenbeck and Buffalo Grove roads. (Image courtesy Google Maps)

Graydon MeganSpecial to the Tribune

For the second time in two months, Wheeling trustees Monday night turned down a 50-unit supportive housing project for people with mental and physical disabilities.

Wheeling village president Judy Abruscato cast the sole yes vote on the proposal.

The PhilHaven project, proposed by Chicago-based developer Daveri Development Group, LLC, for a 3-acre site on Hintz Road between Schoenbeck and Buffalo Grove roads, was similarly turned down May 21. At that time, trustees said they were rejecting the plan because project developers had proposed far fewer parking spaces than required by village code and planned to offer on-site supportive services for residents – a provision that would have required amending the village’s municipal code.

Following that May 21 rejection, Daveri increased the number of parking spaces to meet code. The developer also dropped the plan for on-site supportive services - including housing retention, mobility and transportation and vocational support and training - saying those could be provided at off-site locations or by providers visiting residents.

“It’s not the same development,” said Daveri attorney Steven Friedland. But trustees didn’t see it that way.

Trustees Kenneth Brady and Bill Hein expressed the majority view that there was little difference between supportive services provided through on-site offices or by off-site providers visiting the building. Neither situation fit the zoning of the parcel, at least not without a special use provision.

“This thing before us today is no different than it was,” said trustee Dean Argiris. Argiris cited the lack of facilities within walking distance, including a grocery and park and said the project did not fit the zoning of the Hintz Road location. “We have five areas where this would fit in Wheeling,” Argiris continued. “Look elsewhere.”

Abruscato said after the meeting her yes vote was based on the plan’s meeting village site plan and appearance requirements. “They met what’s in our code,” she said.

Larry Pusateri of Daveri declined to comment after the meeting, except to say his group needed to consider Wheeling’s decision before taking any future action.